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Mount Pisgah
August 27, 2022 @ 10:30 am - 4:30 pm
We will meet at the first Mount Pisgah parking lot to enjoy the views at Buck Springs and for our greetings with photo shoot. There are a few trails to explore from here.
We welcome the Carolina Butterfly Society to join us.
Mount Pisgah Trail
Trail begins at the far end of the Mount Pisgah Parking Area. It is 1.8 miles to the summit. The first 0.5 miles is fairly flat. The remaining 1.2 miles is moderate to strenuous. Lots of rock steps, for an ascent of 712 feet.
Trail begins at the far end of the Mount Pisgah Parking Area. It is 1.8 miles to the summit. The first 0.5 miles is fairly flat. The remaining 1.2 miles is moderate to strenuous. Lots of rock steps, for an ascent of 712 feet.
The trail passes through a forest of Northern Red Oaks, maples, birches and pockets of rhododendrons and mountain laurel to a deciduous heath bald at the summit at 5721 feet. An observation deck for a 360-degree view and the transmission tower sits at the summit.
To the NE views of Craggy mountains, Asheville, and the French Broad River Valley, to the West Shining Rock Wilderness and Cold Mountain, and to the SW Looking Glass.
Most of the wildflowers can be seen for the first 0.5 miles. White snakeroot, Jerusalem artichoke, bee balm, Angelica, self-heal (Prunella vulgaris), purple flowering raspberry (Rubus odoratus), Joe-Pye-weed (a butterfly magnet), and lots of ferns and mushrooms. Listen for the dark-eyed juncos and warblers along the trail. Peregrine falcons are commonly spotted at the summit. Many wildflowers are native and some are endangered.
Buck Spring Trail
This 1.1-mile-long portion of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail runs between the Mount Pisgah Inn and the Buck Spring Gap Parking Area. The trail passes the site where the mountain cabin of George Vanderbilt and Buck Spring Lodge once stood.
This 1.1-mile-long portion of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail runs between the Mount Pisgah Inn and the Buck Spring Gap Parking Area. The trail passes the site where the mountain cabin of George Vanderbilt and Buck Spring Lodge once stood.
Shut In Trail
Shut In Trail is 16.3 miles long and descends over 3,000 feet. Walk the trail in as far as you like and backtrack out to return.
Shut In Trail is 16.3 miles long and descends over 3,000 feet. Walk the trail in as far as you like and backtrack out to return.
Directions
Buck Springs overlook
35.41601705353971, -82.74837818767726
Buck Springs overlook
35.41601705353971, -82.74837818767726
From Asheville, there are numerous paths to get to the Blue Ridge Parkway. From Bent Creek River Park/NC Arboretum on NC191, hop onto the BRP and head south, approximately 10 miles, to Milepost 407. Turn left into the Mount Pisgah Parking area. Park at the first parking area Buck Springs Gap. Along the BRP there are several tunnels. Check that your headlights are off when you park.
There are 2 parking lots at Mount Pisgah. The first is Buck Springs Gap Overlook where we will meet. If you continue N 0.2 miles, you will reach the 2nd parking lot. You can easily walk in between the two lost via road or take a trail. The Mount Pisgah trailhead is located at the far end of the second parking lot.
Lodging and Food
Pisgah campground is a little less than a mile and a half away. There is a trail from the campground to Mount Pisgah trailhead.
Pisgah campground is a little less than a mile and a half away. There is a trail from the campground to Mount Pisgah trailhead.
Pisgah Inn is only a mile away at Milepost 408 which has rooms available with great views. They have a nice observation deck, restrooms, and a good restaurant. The restaurant fills quickly so make a reservation if you would like to eat dinner. Dinner is served from 5:00 to 9:00 PM.
(828)235-8228. www.pisgahinn.com
(828)235-8228. www.pisgahinn.com
There are restrooms located at the entrance to the Pisgah Inn parking lot. Temps are cooler in the mountains. Come join and SCAN with us!